You can have your teeth whiten, or even wear braces to straighten them, but if your gum line is not symmetric, it could ruin your smile. But you could go to your dentist, and discuss the possibility of having a gum lift, also called gum contouring or a gingivectomy. This procedure of reshaping your gums might be needed when the gums grow over the teeth.
This can be owing to genetic reasons or because of some medications or hormonal changes can lead to an overgrowth of gum tissue. Your dentist can correct the over growth of gum tissue, which are coving the teeth and making them seem smaller than they are. However, your dentist can also correct uneven underlying bones to create a more symmetrical appearance, which is more aesthetically pleasing by raising, sculpting and reshaping the gum line.
The procedure
All that is needed is one visit to the dentist to complete a gum lift. During the consult, your dentist will have a look at your gums. This is to identify any possible limitations that could negatively affect the procedure. Once the dentist has completed the examination and marked where the gum line will be lifted too, you will be given a local anesthesia to reduce the pain. When you cannot feel any sensation on the gums, your dentists will start to trim and recontour your gums. Depending on the dentist, you go to; they can use either a knife or laser.
A laser is recommended, as it is less invasive, more accurate, and the procedure is much easier than with a scalpel that can be painful and very invasive. More so, the recovery time with a laser is faster, since as the dentist is cutting the tissue with the laser they are also burning and sealing the wound.
Your dentist could also use Botox to repair the problem. That is since the gums’ overgrowth can be caused by the muscle activity of smile muscles lifting too much. Your dentist can use Botox to decrease the muscle activity a bit. The application will reduce the muscle activity dramatically. The effects of Botox will last for about four to six months, but this procedure is temporary and not permanent like the laser option.
Recovery time
The recovery time for this sort of procedure is very unlike other dental procedures. That is since you do not need many days off from work or even be drugged on strong pain medication.
You will feel minor awkwardness in your gums just after the anesthesia wears off. A light pain pill will help to overcome this feeling. Nevertheless, like other dental procedures, it is best that you do not eat or drink until the effects of anesthesia has subsided. This will not be long, around 30 minutes.
Still, your gum will be tender though, and swollen. But you will be able to eat and drink directly after a gum lift procedure. Although, stick to soft, non-sticky food; and stay away from the hot Indian food for a bit. Pick food that are healthy, like butternut soups, since your recovery will be faster.
Gently brush and floss your teeth for a couple weeks, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent an infection.
What are the risks?
You can reduce the risks of the procedure yourself by going to a dentist that is skilled in this procedure. Other complications can include bleeding and swelling after the treatment.
However, cosmetic dentists still advise on replacing solid foods with liquids for the first two or three days following a gum lift.
It is equally important to have good oral hygiene in order to avoid infections where the procedure was performed. Therefore, rinse your mouth with alcohol free mouthwashes at least twice a day. Gently brush your gum twice a day. Floss to remove any plaque, and do not smoke. These steps will make sure you have good oral hygiene to prevent any infections.
The biggest limitation, mostly with lasers, are how much can be sculpted. There are certain amounts of gums that have to remain around your teeth for you to have a healthy tooth-gum architecture. If a procedure like laser cannot help to give you the smile you need, then there are other dental procedures that your dentist can suggest and discuss with you.
